Horses were working yesterday morning at Summerveld despite the devastation in many other parts of the province.

Tony Rivalland and his team have done a sterling job from Tuesday onward getting the  tracks back to normal and repairing the damaged horse walkways so they are safe to be on.

The area’s water was cut off yesterday because damage to the reservoir system has to be repaired.

There are varying reports on how long it will take before taps are turned on again. 

However, the racehorses have not been effected because Summerveld has its own reservoir.

Trainer Louis Goosen has come to the rescue of jockeys, trainers and grooms.

He has his own business called Wonder Water, which is ultra-purified water treated with a patented cellular hydration process.

Summerveld personnel were grateful to Goosen, who sent a message out saying they could all come and collect water free of charge.

Gold Circle also announced yesterday tonight’s meeting had been switched to the polytrack.

A press release stated, “KZN has been drenched by record-breaking rainfall over the past few days, with Hollywoodbets Greyville having received a total of 247mm during this time.

As of this morning, penetrometer readings in some areas of the track were as high as 45. With current overcast conditions, the chances of the track drying up sufficiently for Thursday night’s race meeting is remote and Gold Circle has taken an early decision to move the race meeting to the Polytrack. First race off at 16h30.

Meanwhile, more than 150mm of rain has fallen at Hollywoodbets Scottsville over the past few days and the penetrometer readings as at 12:00 Wednesday 13 April varied from 35 to 58. With more rain predicted for the weekend, an early decision has been made to move the race meeting scheduled on Sunday, 17 April to Hollywoodbets Greyville. 

Every attempt will be made to stage this race meeting on the Turf but that will depend on the weather.

Taking all of the above into consideration, Gold Circle has made the decision to switch the race meeting on Sunday 24th April from Hollywoodbets Greyville to Hollywoodbets Scottsville. 

Entries for this race meeting close on Thursday 14 April at 11h00.”

Picture: Summerveld This morning